Sometimes I forget Asa’s still little.  Physically he’s as big as me, and mentally his adolescent outbursts are daunting.  But every once in awhile Asa reminds me that the world is still filled with awe and wonder.  Over the winter Dad grew a beard, but with summer just around the corner it was time to shave it off.  None of us anticipated Asa’s reaction to this little change.

When Dad came downstairs fresh from his sheering, I sleepily lifted my head up to get a good look, thumped my tail on the floor three times in approval, and then settled in for my midmorning nap.  Asa, on the other hand, went rushing to greet Dad with his usual enthusiasm.  But then he stopped dead in his tracks, tilted his head, and looked up at Dad with a puzzled look.  Asa couldn’t figure out what was different!

After this initial stunned moment, he immediately started sniffing Dad with fervor.  I’m impressed Dad stood there so patiently, because Asa was really aggressive with this inspection.  However Dad couldn’t stand there all day, and so he started to go about his business.  All the while Asa followed him, craning his neck to get a better look at Dad’s face.  In fact, Asa was so focused that he walked straight into the kitchen cabinet with a loud bang!  He just shook it off and continued his curious examination.  Eventually Dad sat down, and Asa boldly jumped up to lick Dad’s chin.  This made us all laugh, because it only made Asa more perplexed.  Mom tried to explain to him that Dad got a puppy cut for the summer, just like our friend Jake.  But obviously Asa wasn’t listening.

For the remainder of the day and well into the evening, Asa followed Dad’s every move, head tilted, neck craned, staring in wonder at Dad’s freshly shaved face.  Although at 18 months old Asa shouldn’t be so surprised by things, I’m glad that he continues to have moments where he sees the world with awe.  I hope Asa never outgrows that sense of curiosity and wonder.